The Delhi High Court in the case Ateet Bansal v. Commissioner of Police, Delhi and Anr and has directed the Delhi Police for ensuring that all steps are taken to prevent prostitution rings from being operated “under the garb of the massage parlours”.
The division bench comprising of Chief Justice Satish Chandra Sharma and Justice Subramonium Prasad in the case observed and has disposed of a public interest litigation filed by one Ateet Bansal against the operation of “ illegal flesh trade or sex rackets” in relation to the national capital.
It has been argued by the Bansal that sex racket businesses which is being operating under the garb of massage parlours pose a serious threat in relation to the safety and dignity of women. Further, it was submitted by him that the authorities have failed to act on his complaints.
However, the bench took a note of the Delhi Police’s affidavit in the matter wherein stating that necessary action is being taken whenever an complaint or an information is received regarding prostitution rackets which is operating under the garb of massage parlours.
The bench while considering that the Delhi Police has been taking necessary actions, the present court is of the opinion that no further orders are required to be passed in the present petition in light of the directions which has already been issued by Respondent No. 1. The bench stated while disposing of the PIL and has been directed to the Respondent Police to ensure all the steps are undertaken to prevent prostitution rings from being conducted under the garb of massage parlours.
It has also been informed by the Delhi Police to the court that the directions and instructions have been issued to all DCPs for keeping a vigil on massage parlours and also for taking appropriate legal action in case where the court notice any illegal activities taking place there.
It has been agreed by the Bansal that the operation of sex rackets and prostitution rings are directly in violation of Section 8 of the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, 1956 and has also the transgresses upon the right to life under Article 21 and goes against the prohibition of trafficking under Article 23 of the constitution of India.